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Cisco and the University of Edinburgh will collaborate on opportunities in AI and data-driven innovation, a pillar of the £1.3bn Edinburgh and South East Scotland Region Deal launched last summer.

The first initiative in the partnership will see the US tech giant support 20 start-ups through the University and Wayra UK’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Blockchain Accelerator.

Over a three-year period, Cisco will provide business development and technical support, mentoring and access to tools for resident start-ups. “The insight that we can gain from data opens up amazing opportunity for all industries – not least with its application in the field of AI,” said Tony Gribben, country manager, Cisco Scotland. The ambition to drive economic and inclusive growth for the region is something that we very much support, and we look forward to continuing to partner with industry, government and academia on initiatives towards that goal.”

The programme is based at the University of Edinburgh’s Bayes Centre and is designed to accelerate the best AI and blockchain start-ups in Europe to scale globally.

The initiative also presents Cisco the opportunity to connect with university researchers and tackle the challenges relating to the security and privacy of IoT devices, in addition to possible research collaboration on 5G and cyber security.

Based at the University of Edinburgh’s Bayes Centre, the programme is designed to accelerate the best AI and blockchain start-ups in Europe to scale globally. It is already home to the first cohort of 10 start-ups.

Jim Ashe, director of commercialisation and industry engagement, University of Edinburgh, added: “As well as becoming a key supporter of our flagship AI and Blockchain Accelerator programme, the recent signing of a Memorandum of understanding underscores our intention to work together more collaboratively across all areas of data-driven Innovation.”

Launched in August 2018, the City Region Deal aims to help Edinburgh and South East Scotland accelerate growth, create economic opportunities and new jobs.